How To Avoid an Accident as a First-Time Driver

Most parents feel nothing but fear as they watch their newly licensed teen back down the driveway. The intrusive thoughts and mixed emotions kick into overdrive, and you’re up all night pacing until they walk back through the door. One of the biggest fears for parents and new drivers is encountering their first accident—though a few things in the driver’s control will limit risk.

Avoid Distractions

Possibly the most significant accident-inducer is distracted driving. While cell phones have many benefits in daily life, the most dangerous thing about them is how distracting they can be when you’re operating a vehicle. To avoid an accident as a first-time driver, place your phone in a secure location and avoid use when the car is in gear.

Another contributing factor to distracted driving is passengers. When there are too many voices inside the vehicle and the conversation gets carried away, the driver’s focus shifts off the road ahead. Consider setting a passenger rule in your car until you’re a little bit older and have more experience.

Double-Check Surroundings

We often forget to double- and even triple-check our surroundings. We look once, but sometimes, that isn’t good enough. Just because we are doing everything right within our control does not mean that everyone else is.

We cannot control those around us, and you may find yourself in your first accident if you don’t take that into account. Many young drivers don’t know what to do after an accident. Always remember to remain calm—help is on the way.

Avoid Tailgating

The number one contributor to rear-end collisions is tailgating. Tailgating another vehicle is dangerous and potentially life-threatening. Following too closely to the person in front of you leaves no room for proper braking and creates a chain of brake checks.

Take a Driver’s Education Course

Driver’s education is an investment for the future of your roadworthiness. Taking a course creates better and more knowledgeable drivers. When a young driver knows the signs and laws and puts that knowledge to use behind the wheel, they are at an advantage when unforeseen situations arise—plus, it can drastically reduce the cost of your insurance.

Use Turn Signals

The proper use of the vehicle’s turn signals can save a lot of inconveniences. Informing the drivers around you of your next move allows everyone an adequate amount of time to brake and adjust their own driving patterns accordingly. Establishing and sticking to good driving habits ensures that you follow them when you’re in heavy traffic.

Practice Your Skills

The saying that “practice makes perfect” has never been more accurate than when driving a vehicle as a rookie. The only way to fine-tune your skills is to practice driving as often as you can. Ask your guardian for support and feedback in this process to gain valuable insight along the way from a more experienced driver.

No driver, young or experienced, can guarantee a driving career entirely free of accidents, their fault or not. But following these simple and practical suggestions on how to avoid an accident as a first-time driver could be the key to avoiding one or two in the long run.

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